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Feb. 6, 2009
by Cherome Owens

MILWAUKEE -- To help raise funds to promote breast cancer research, awareness, education and treatment, the Milwaukee Bucks teamed up with the Susan G. Komen Foundation Milwaukee Chapter to give area bowlers an opportunity to play the game for a great cause. The annual "Bowl for the CureŽ Day" took place on Friday, January 23, at the AMF Bowlero Lanes in Milwaukee, WI. 

Bowl for the CureŽ Day, formerly administered by the United States Bowling Congress, held two sessions this year, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m, with more than 500 bowlers participating in the event. Although Bucks players were in Atlanta to face the Hawks on Friday, the players' wives were in attendance to show how important it is to give back for such a great cause. Bango, Energee! and Bucks employees were also present.

The total amount of money raised has yet to be determined. However, last year's "Bowl for the CureŽ Day" brought in over $73,000, which contributed to a nationwide total of $1 million for the Komen Foundation for the year and a seven-year total of more than $6 million.

Southeastern Regional Breast Care Fund is one of the grant recipients of the donations raised. Kim Melcher, a member of the Breast Care Fund, is grateful for the event and said the funds will help provide financial assistance for women to get screening, diagnostic and treatment related services.

"I think it's great," Melcher said. "It's a wonderful cause and a great way to get people out on a Friday afternoon and raise some money for a good foundation. As someone who works with people with breast cancer, it's very personal in helping raise awareness."

Massages by Lakeside School of Massage also benefited from "Bowl for the CureŽ Day" as tons of people signed up to be on its waiting list. AMF Bowlero Lanes provided complimentary shoe rental for all bowlers, while the Women's Bowling Association and Greenfield Classic Lanes also volunteered in the event. Fox Sports Wisconsin, 103.7 Kiss FM and 99.1 WMYX were on hand to promote the cause.

"This event is extremely important," said Kidd O'Shea , radio host of the Morning Show on 99.1 WMYX. "We've been a big part of it for many years. Susan G. Komen is an organization that continues to grow and raise tons of money. Breast cancer affects a lot of women but it also affects men. It's important that men get involved in these organizations and become aware because it affects them too. It's either their wives or it's them personally. So, the bowl for a cure is a fun way to raise a lot of money."

Each bowler received two upper level tickets to the "Bowl for the CureŽ Night with the Bucks" on March 3 when Milwaukee hosts the New Jersey Nets, a 2009 "Bowl for the CureŽ" t-shirt, one raffle ticket for prizes and a participant gift bag.